Month: December 2022

Newly elected Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp began his four-year term representing district 4 on January 1. District 4 encompasses Buford, Sugar Hill, Braselton, Rest Haven, Auburn, and parts of Suwanee and Lawrenceville.
Holtkamp is the owner and CEO of Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning, president of the Metro Atlanta Air Conditioning Contractors Association, and a Leadership Gwinnett graduate.
He was also appointed by Governor Kemp as a Board Member of the State Construction Industry Licensing Board in the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors.
Watch Commissioner Holtkamp’s swearing in ceremony on TV Gwinnett.

If your New Year’s Eve plan includes fireworks, firefighters encourage you to attend a professional show. If you opt to use your own fireworks, keeping safety top of mind will help prevent fires and injury.
Last year, firefighters responded to 622 emergency calls. Captain Ryan McGiboney said one factor that contributed to the increased call volume was large gatherings of people who became easily distracted and did not always follow safety guidelines.
“Around 7,000 people are treated in emergency rooms every year for injuries related to the use of fireworks. Most of those injuries involved children. Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision. Don’t allow children to handle fireworks; even sparklers require adult supervision,” said Captain McGiboney.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Purchase fireworks from a licensed and reputable business
Read the directions carefully and inspect the device for any defects
Never improvise or experiment with making your own fireworks
Keep a bucket of water, garden hose, and fire extinguisher close by
Ignite fireworks outdoors in an open area away from buildings, vehicles, vegetation, or any other combustible material
Ignite only one device at a time and use an ignition stick or fireplace lighter
Always keep a safe distance between yourself and the device
Soak used fireworks in a water-filled bucket for several hours before discarding them in the trash

For more information on fireworks safety, visit GwinnettSafety411.com.

Our Department of Water Resources needs your help to keep our waterways and community clean. Fats, oils, and grease in everyday food products can damage pipes in your home and build up in our sewer system.
When fats, oils, or grease are poured down the drain, these food products may adhere to the pipe walls in your home and our sewer lines. Overtime, FOG can build up, restrict, or completely block pipes. These blockages can damage our sewer lines, leading to hazardous sewer overflows in your neighborhood.
Every household plays an important role in preventing neighborhood sewer blockages.
Prevent FOG clogs by following these simple clean-up tips while cooking:

Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink, garbage disposal, or toilet
Before washing them, scrape and wipe pots, pans, and dishes with paper towels and dispose of the materials in the trash
Pour fats, oils, and grease after they have cooled into a container; once the container is full, secure it with a lid and place it in the trash
Put baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other food solids before emptying the contents into the trash
Minimize use of garbage disposals

Remember, home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of your pipes. In addition, hot water and products such as detergents that claim to dissolve grease only pass it down the line and cause problems elsewhere. 
Learn more about preventing issues from FOG.